2. Jefferson, Mickens in the spotlight

It was a week of change for the Chargers safety room after Gilman was traded to the Ravens.

Players and coaches made it clear this week that they will certainly miss the veteran who spent the past six years with the Bolts.

“We know it’s part of the business but that’s my brother, man,” James said. “Got so many great memories, I love him as a brother.”

Tony Jefferson added: “It’s tough. Lo’ is a staple guy who was loved dearly, more than just a teammate, but as a dude. I talked to him before he left. He’s going to a great organization, one that I’m pretty familiar with and knowing that he’ll be taken care of.”

Minter also gave his thoughts on the deal.

“It’s always hard. I love Alohi, tons of love and respect for him. You bring it up and think it all through and figure out what’s best for the situation, where you have depth and maybe where you feel like you could use a little bit,” Minter said.

He later added: “I do feel like that’s a position where we have depth, or otherwise it’s a move you may not be able to make.”

Even with Gilman gone, expect the Chargers to still be able to roll out three safeties on the field with James, Elijah Molden and Jefferson, with the latter taking on a full-time starting role.

“It’s business as usual,” Jefferson said. “Even going back to last year, I had that role and this year in the beginning when Elijah was out the first two games. Pretty much just back to business.”

But since the Chargers had used a safety rotation the past two weeks, that could also mean an opportunity for rookie RJ Mickens, too.

“No matter what my role was, I always tried to approach the game like I was the guy, like I am the starter,” Mickens said. “Learning that from Alohi, Derwin, Elijah taught me how to take great notes.

“They’ve all poured into me in different ways and I’ve always prepared the same ways. Regardless if I’m look team or on the defense, it doesn’t matter,” Mickens added. “Opportunity comes and you got to be ready when it comes. There is no predicting when the opportunity is, you just got to be ready at all times and that’s the approach I’ve taken since I got here.”

Everyone, from Harbaugh to Minter to James, raved about Mickens’ progress over the past few weeks.

“He doesn’t lack confidence,” James said with a laugh. “He’s always [around] me, pulling on me like, ‘How can I get better?’

“Just having that is going to help him a lot,” James added.

Minter said: “RJ has done a phenomenal job … probably knows the gameplan better than anybody. I’m excited to see him get his shot and continue to progress.”

Harbaugh added: “He has a real quality of covering the field sideline to sideline, he’s got great range and good ball skills. A real understanding of the defense, that’s come along very well. We feel like it’s his time to shine.”

There’s a bit of a different vibe in the safety room going forward with Gilman now in Baltimore. But the Chargers expect that group to keep the same high standard they’ve shown since the beginning of last season.